When a young military family approached Aaron Gallagher for help buying their first home, he learned another lender told them that they couldn’t qualify for a VA loan. But after reviewing their situation, Aaron found a way to make it happen.
“At closing, they were almost in tears, so excited to finally have a place of their own,” he recalls. “Moments like that remind me why I do what I do!”
INB is thrilled to welcome Aaron as AVP, Mortgage Loan Officer, to our Champaign branch!
Aaron specializes in a range of mortgage solutions including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and down payment assistance loans. He also makes it a point to stay informed on industry changes to ensure his clients receive up-to-date financial advice and insights.
Calling Champaign home since 1984, Aaron points out the appeal of strong Midwestern values in the Central Illinois community: people here look out for each other, work hard and genuinely care about their neighbors.
“I love the mix of small-town warmth with big-city conveniences. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, catching an Illini game or seeing familiar faces everywhere I go, Champaign has always felt like the perfect place to live, work and grow,” he shares.
An Accidental Lender
Unlike many in the industry, Aaron didn’t set out to become a mortgage lender. He was asked to apply for a lending position by someone who thought he’d be a good fit — and he admits that person was definitely right!
“Over the years, I’ve found that I truly enjoy helping people navigate the home loan process,” he says. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about guiding someone through one of the biggest financial decisions of their life and making sure they feel confident every step of the way.”
Drawn to INB for its small-bank feel, local processing and underwriting, and welcoming culture, Aaron is excited for the opportunity to help INB clients find their dream homes and choose the loan options that best fits their needs.
“My goal is to grow the INB brand and make it the first choice for anyone looking to purchase or refinance a home,” he says.
Outside the office
When Aaron isn’t working, he usually can be found spending time outdoors, often camping and traveling.
“I enjoy tent camping; there’s something about being out in nature, sitting around a fire, and disconnecting from the noise of everyday life,” he shares. “Some of my favorite camping spots include Starved Rock and Turkey Run, and we recently went white water rafting in Colorado.”
He also loves to cook and entertain.
“Whether it’s grilling, smoking meat, or trying out new recipes, I enjoy making great food and sharing it with family and friends. There’s nothing better than a backyard BBQ with good company!” Aaron says.
Bringing joy to new homeowners
Aaron is eager to lend his mortgage expertise to INB clients and help them experience the excitement of homeownership.
One of the most rewarding parts of his job is seeing the joy on his clients’ faces when they close on their home, he says.
“Buying a house is a huge milestone, and after all the paperwork, planning, and waiting, there’s nothing better than handing over the keys and knowing I played a part in making that dream come true,” he says.